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Twitter is now spying on the other apps you download on your phone!

Home→Privacy →Twitter is now spying on the other apps you download on your phone!

Twitter were concerned about their declining user base which got them thinking about how they can attract new users, entice inactive users back and of course, generate more money - which let’s face it, is the main reason behind this new big idea.

So, what have the boffins at Twitter decided to do ? Well, they’ve decided that they will poke their nosy beaks into your Android and iOS smartphones so they can see the other apps you have downloaded. Twitter calls the data they are collecting from you, the “app graph” which helps them to “build a more tailored experience for you on Twitter .” By monitoring the apps installed on your device they will be able to direct content that they hope will be of interest to you, and suggest “who to follow” from people with similar interests, or users who have the same apps as you.

What does this mean?

Of course, this also includes improved ad targeting which will be flown driven to your feed; tailored-made ads based on the games you play, your likes, the apps you have, the people you follow, and your interaction with other tweets.

Keen to gather new users under their wings, Twitter’s new “instant timeline” feature will be less daunting for new users, by showing them interesting content even before they have started to Tweet or follow other Tweeters.

The beaked ones recently stated that “we are collecting the list of applications you have installed. We are not collecting any data within the applications.” How refreshing to hear that they are being honest and upfront that they are making money from us!

But it is all still rather creepy, and you may have apps that you’d rather other people not know about.

The good news is you can opt out!

If you haven’t already turned on “limit ad tracking” on iOS or chosen to “opt out of interest-based ads” on Android, the good news is that you can still turn it off, if you wish.

Once you’re in the Twitter app, go to the Me tab and tap the gear icon

Tap Settings

Tap the account you’d like to adjust, for example, @hidemyass!

Under Privacy, you will see “Tailor Twitter based on my apps.” Uncheck this box

Many of us download apps which we rarely use, so Twitter could be potentially gathering a ton of useless information, and if you use a VPN on your Android or iOS device , which changes your IP address, you also hinder their ability to collect accurate statistics, which won’t put a smile on their face or that of advertisers!